Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Pin wheel escapement

Pin wheel escapement of the South Mymms tower clock

Partially verified

This object is a pin wheel escapement, identified as part of the tower clock located in South Mymms, England. The escapement mechanism consists of a large, multi-spoked metal wheel featuring protruding pins that engage with a vertical, reciprocating pallet assembly. The assembly is integrated into the larger iron frame of the tower clock, which is painted green. The primary components visible include the brass pin wheel, which rotates to drive the pallet arms, and the mechanical gear train associated with the drive assembly. The construction incorporates metal parts showing traces of oxidation, notably on the pallet faces and surrounding structural elements. This component functions as the primary speed-regulating mechanism for the clock's gear train.

The pin wheel escapement and associated pallet assembly of the South Mymms tower clock, showing the brass pin wheel and green iron support frame.
The pin wheel escapement and associated pallet assembly of the South Mymms tower clock, showing the brass pin wheel and green iron support frame. — Haraldmmueller. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
commons.wikimedia.org
Category
Component · Pin wheel escapement
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
England

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Escapement Construction

The escapement is a pin wheel configuration, featuring a large circular wheel equipped with a series of pins extending parallel to its axis of rotation. These pins provide the impulse surface for the pallets. The wheel is mounted on a central arbor that appears to be part of the primary driving train of the clock mechanism.

The pallet assembly is positioned vertically, engaging the pins as the wheel rotates. The pallets are constructed with distinct surfaces that lock and unlock the pins to regulate the release of energy from the clock train.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pin wheel escapement of South Mymms tower clock”

Material and Condition

The green paint on the iron frame shows signs of wear and age.

The gear teeth visible in the lower right and lower left of the frame appear brass, providing a contrast to the iron support structure.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pin wheel escapement of South Mymms tower clock”

Documentation and Context

This mechanism is identified as the escapement from the tower clock in South Mymms, England. The documentation is restricted to visual evidence provided by a photograph from 2013. There is no accompanying technical report or provenance provided in the source to date the clock or identify its maker.

The object is catalogued as a pin wheel escapement within its operational context. The absence of specific historical or workshop markings on the visible frame sections leaves the manufacturer and installation date as unverified information.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stiftengang der Turmuhr in South Mimms, England”

Open research questions

  • What is the estimated date of manufacture for the South Mymms tower clock?
  • Are there secondary maker marks or inscriptions present on the clock frame not visible in the current photograph?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pin wheel escapement of the South Mymms tower clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
SubjectPin wheel escapement of South Mymms tower clock“Pin wheel escapement of South Mymms tower clock”
LocationSouth Mymms, England“Stiftengang der Turmuhr in South Mimms, England”
Date of photograph26 August 2013“26 August 2013, 14:35:42”
PhotographerHaraldmmueller“Haraldmmueller”

Visible details

  • Brass pin wheel with multiple pins along the rim
  • Vertical pallet assembly interacting with the pins
  • Green painted iron frame of the clock movement
  • Visible oxidation on metal components

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of the clock's manufacture is not provided in the source
  • The maker of the clock movement is not identified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Pin Wheel Escapement

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1e3f2f9601

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.